DIR-F Class

[diveski01]

For the DIRF class I took recently the coordinator negotiated with the instructors, all from Seattle, to arrive late Thursday evening and stay through until Monday morning even though the class didn't start until Friday at 5pm and ended Sunday around 8pm. This allowed them to adjust to the local time and they didn't have to cut the class short by arriving late due to travel delays or by having to leave Sunday afternoon by a certain time in order to make their flight. Their personal travel costs were offset by having a home graciously donated for them to use that weekend. The coordinator(s) also served as personal drivers during their stay so no rental cars were required. Since we had a class of 11 there were 3 instructors and between 3 and 6 local "helpers". We each paid $300.

The LDS that helped sponsor the class provided a classroom, pool and free air fills for all students. They arranged for extra staff to be on hand and spent a good deal of time with various students as things came up that required attention. The owner of the dive shop even picked up the dinner tab for everyone Saturday evening so that we could enjoy getting to know each other better and talk with the instructors. We were each presented with a GUE t-shirt and the LDS donated a prize for the most improved student.

You might ask the class coordinators if they know of anyone willing to let you stay in their home during the class to save on your personal expenses but I'm happy to see that you are willing to invest in yourself. I loved the class. The instructors were awesome and all really great people. I'd take the class every year if possible. I know I'd learn something new each time.

 

[SeaJay]

That's cool. Yeah, that's pretty much the way that things are happening here, too. At least, I know for sure that the coordinator of the DIR-F class has donated his home for the instructors.

I decided to take the class. I sent in my check for $400, with apologies for having reacted a little poorly when I found out the price. I wouldn't say that I was nasty about it, but I did tell him that I wasn't interested in the class at that price. After finding out that $400 is about what most people are paying (plus or minus $100, which could account for many different things), I changed my tune. But the biggest reason why I changed my mind was due to the reputation of the instructors. When everyone knows the instructors and has nothing but good things to say about them... Well... Let's just say that the value of the class, at least in my mind, increased enough to warrant $400.

I have been contacted by the coordinator, though, about the class. In his words, "I have not gotten the overwhelmingly positive response that I expected... And so I'm not cashing your check until I know for sure that the class is going to happen." In other words, the class may end up getting canceled due to lack of interest. At least, that's my impression.

I believe it's that same weekend... Maybe the weekend before... That Extreme Exposure is doing a DIR-F class. Amazing... I've been waiting months for a DIR-F class to become available within driving distance, and suddenly, there are two within four or five hours' drive. Cool.

I just hope that this guy lets me know in time so that I can take the Extreme Exposure class, should he decide to cancel.

 

[detroit diver]

SeaJay,

If the EE course is the one that I'm thinking of, and your's gets cancelled, I think you'd be pleasantly surprised. The man himself, Jarod Jablonski, will be teaching that along with Andrew G and others, I believe. It's part of an instructor evaluation class that my dive partner is taking.

I'm sorry your class may be cancelled, but I think the second option is not so bad!

 

[Cave Diver]

SeaJay once bubbled...

I just hope that this guy lets me know in time so that I can take the Extreme Exposure class, should he decide to cancel.

Maybe you should go ahead and just make plans to attend the EE class?

 

[SeaJay]

Yeah, it'd be great.

Now I just want the class. Don't care where or when or who.

Taking it at EE, though, would be pretty cool. I'll be there this weekend anyway, since I'm taking a USCB Scuba Club trip there this weekend to dive Forty Fathom and Crystal River. High Springs is close enough that I'm planning on going down a day early to shop.

...So for now, I've simply got an email into the coordinator of the Atlanta class, asking whether or not the class is happening. If it does get canceled, then I'll just take it at EE... Space permitting.

This is getting a little crazy. At first, I wasn't sure if it'd be worth it... Now I'm having to fight for it a little.

 

[detroit diver]

The EE class might even be less expensive because the instructors are there already......

 

[SeaJay]

Cave Diver once bubbled...


Maybe you should go ahead and just make plans to attend the EE class?

Oh yeah, I'm all about that. The only problem is that I told him that I'd be there in Atlanta. I'd already made the decision, and made a promise. Then I sent him a check, which he's refused to cash until he knows for sure that the class is going to happen.

I understand that he's had problems with not enough divers. I'm not going to add to his problem.

But should he choose to cancel the class, I've got a second option.

I've already written EE and asked them if there's space in the class. I should be getting answers back from both of these guys in the next day or so, and I can put it all together.

Have you noticed that even the whole thought process is sorta going DIR? You know... Reliable backup and all... All the classes that I need without any of the classes I don't need... I'm here for my buddy, he's here for me... Perfect control... Integrity is the watchword... Plan your learning and learn your plan... All that hokey stuff...

Perhaps this is just a far-fetched plan from GUE to get the easily-swayed to quit? A way to make the "cream rise to the top?" Perhaps this is simply a complex plan to make me the very best I can be, even in patience and understanding and planning?

I think I'm being assimilated.

Will I learn the secret handshake? :lol:

Of course, I'm just kidding. Just trying to make light of it all. The truth is that I can't wait to take this course.

 

[SeaJay]

detroit diver once bubbled...
The EE class might even be less expensive because the instructors are there already......

Boy, that'd be sweet.

 

[boomx5]

I found this on another website. I thought it was a pretty good review on the DIR-F class.
http://www.e-nekton.com/rule6.html